The Consequences of Our Actions part 2

First Mate Jason gave a yawn as he stood huddled with the other crewman of the Georgia, at pickup zone for transport up to the cruiser. It was early morning, standard time, and the whole station seemed to be waking up as the night people got ready to go to sleep. Two docks down, a massive Dominix sat, and he could hear, even from hear, the sound of it’s armor plates being replaced. Well, he thought, it least we aren’t the only ones getting shot at out their. The ship above them was shut down, suspended above the platform by the stations own tractors, and the began to pile onto the grav sled that slipped down from the ships side. They went up, ten at a time, and proceeded inside. Jason was of course one of the first into the ship, and he saw the sign on the wall first.

“All Crew – Report to the Bridge on Arrival.”

Uh oh. What is it now? Jasons mind raced as he moved with the crew towards the bridge, hearing the muttering behind him. He stepped through the bridge door, and paused, looking around. The consoles were covered in sheets, and their were more chairs then normal near them. The men behind him crowded in and he stepped aside, surveying it all. Their were tables, and off to one side, in front of the scanning officers station, a long table with food warmers. The captain stood at the front of the bridge, his arms crossed, looking out at the vast Gallente station, watching frigates and destroyers channel through, and below that, air cars skim about. Jason moved forward to the captains elbow “Er, sir?”

The Captain blinked slightly, and turned his head, nodding ‘Jason. Are all the men here?” he asked, voice quiet. Jason turned his head and peered at the crowd, squinting slightly as he did some quick mental counting “I’d say so sir. Starting to get a bit squeezed.”

The captain nodded, giving a short smile “Good. Let’s quiet them down” he said, turning to face the assembled crew. The bridge was capable of holding them all, but it was a squeeze, and Jason had to give a sharp whistle before everyone quieted down “The captain has something to say. So hush up.” he said, in his stern commanders voice.

The captain stepped forward, nodding at his crew “Ahem. Gentlemen. Yesterday, we faced two great challenges, and came through, not only alive, but richer for the experience. Despite being outnumbered and outgunned, we managed to hold our own against a swarm of raiders who tried to take our ship, and a swarm of Serpentis who wanted to blow it up.” he said, loudly, voice steady. Jason blinked in surprise and looked at the captain. There was something different about the way the young capsuleer was holding himself, and his voice had changed slightly. Jason gave his head a little shake to clear it, and then went back to listening in “…and as such, I have decided to reward you with three things. First, food and drink here in the bridge. There is breakfast fare on the table over there for you all. Second, the full day off, with regular pay. And third, a bonus of one thousand ISK to each of you, already payed to your accounts.”

There was a stunned silence, and then a cheer which was quickly picked up by all the men, along with clapping. Jason found his hands coming together almost of his own volition. This was a surprise, a big one, but a pleasant one. Already the crew was moving for the food, all concerns of rank and propriety banished by the smell of the food coming off the long table. Not long after, the crew sat wherever there was room, eating up the delicious food and drinking whatever had touched their fancy. The captain stood where had before, a glass of water in one hand, the other brought around behind his back in a fist. It was a strange day.

“Care to join us, captain?” Jason asked, indicating an open chair.

The captain turned slightly and shook his head, raising the glass “Thank you though. I actually have some work to attend to. Please, tell the men to go…do whatever they will. But to get here ready for work tomorrow.” he gave a little nod, drinking the rest of his water before setting the glass down as he walked by one of the consoles. Jason gave a nod “Aye sir.”

He turned back to the other crewman at the table “But like I was saying, I know this place called Flex…”